Download COMMON UROLOGIC CONDITIONS AFFECTING MEN Because

COMMON UROLOGIC CONDITIONS AFFECTING MEN
Because both urine and sperm pass through the penis, the urinary and reproductive systems in men are
interrelated. Therefore, the urologists at West Shore Urology may treat men for health issues affecting
their reproductive organs as well as the urinary system. Figure 1B depicts the organs of the male
reproductive system and the common urologic conditions that may affect them.
Figure 1B: Common Urologic Conditions Affecting Men
Erectile Dysfunction
The generally accepted definition of erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to obtain and maintain
a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction affects over 30
million men worldwide and over 50% of men between the ages of 40-70 years old. Male erectile
disorders are common and increase as men get older, often because of other medical conditions. For
example, risk factors for ED include vascular diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Some common medications may cause ED, including
some high blood pressure medications and some antidepressants. Excessive alcohol consumption
can also negatively impact erectile function. Men who smoke have an increased risk of developing
ED. Some men may experience ED after common surgical procedures, such as radical
prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate).
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Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate characterized by symptoms such as frequent and/or painful
urination. About 20% of patneitns who seek treatment in a urlology office have symptoms of
prostatitis, such as malaise, low back and perineal pain, fever and chills. Prostatitis may be acute
(rare) or chronic (common).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which typically begins in men during their
40s and 50s. Unchecked, BPH can interfere with normal voiding and cause lower urinary tract
symptoms (LUTs), including increased urinary urgency, frequency, or difficulty urinating.
Treatment begins when the patient’s health is at risk due to urinary tract infections, bladder
dysfunction or other urinary conditions, or when urinary symptoms are sufficiently bothersome to
the patient and need to be alleviated.
Male Infertility
A fertility evaluation is typically initiated when a couple fails to achieve conception after one year of
unprotected intercourse. In 50% of intertile couples, the male possesses at least one of the factors
leading to the infertility. The urologist performs various tests (for example, semen analysis) to
determine the possible cause of the male infertility, which may involve hormonal disorders,
abnormalities in sperm production, ejaculatory disorders or poor sperm quality.
Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal
A vasectomy is a form of male contraception in which the left and right vas deferens, ducts through
which sperm are transported, are surgically closed. Even though normal sperm production continues
uninterrupted in the testes, the sperm can no longer travel through the vas deferens to reach the
urethra, and they degenerate in the body.
A vasectomy has no effect on sexual desire or performance. It is the most common urologic surgical
procedure and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthetic. For men who
later decide that they want to participate in conception, a vasectomy reversal can be surgically
performed to re-open the vas deferens and allow sperm to travel through the ducts to the urethra.
Scrotal Swelling
Scrotal swelling and/or pain may be a sign of a hernia or a behign testicular condition, such as
epidiymitis, hydrocele, or spermatocele.
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Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in men in the United
States. In 2001, over 1.7 million men in the United States had prostate cancer. It does not generally
cuase symptoms until the disease is advanced and often incurable. Routine screening for prostate
cancer is recommended starting at age 50, except in high-risk cases that include men with a family
history of prostate cancer and African American men. In these high-risk men, screening is
recommended starting at age 40. Prostate cancer can range from a slow-growing tumor to more
aggressive forms of the disease. Therefore, treatment options range from observation to surgery,
radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, depending upon the age and general health of the
patient. Certain prostate cancer treatments may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Testicular Cancer
Over 150,000 men in the United States had testicular cancer in 2001. The most common presenting
symptom is a painless enlargement of the testis. All patients undergo surgical removal of the testis
(known as inguinal orchiectomy) to stage the disease and determine further treatment. Testicular
cancer is very responsive to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and 5 year survival rates are more
than 90%.
Penile Cancer
Cancer of the penis is rare in the United States; it accounts for less than 1% of cancers in men. It
occurs most frequently in men in their 60s. The most common causative factor is poor hygiene.
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